Podcast Summary: 20/20 – True Crime Vault: Overboard

Episode Details:

• Title: True Crime Vault: Overboard
• Host/Author: ABC News
• Release Date: January 22, 2025
• Description: This episode delves into the mysterious disappearance of Thomas and Jackie Hawks, a retired couple who vanished under suspicious circumstances after selling their luxury yacht. The investigation unravels dark motives, deceit, and the eventual pursuit of justice.

1. Introduction to the Case

The episode opens with the haunting disappearance of Thomas (Tom) and Jackie Hawks, a beloved couple from Newport Beach, California. Known for their frugal lifestyles despite their affluent surroundings, the Hawks decided to sell their impressive 55-foot yacht, "Well Deserved," to Skylar and Jennifer De Leon, a seemingly idealistic young couple.

• Detective: "Welcome to the 2020 True Crime Vault." [00:30]

2. Background on Tom and Jackie Hawks

Tom Hawks, a military veteran and former probation officer, hailed from a family deeply rooted in law enforcement. He was known for his hard work, frugality, and devotion to his family. Jackie, his wife, was cherished for her kind nature and dedication to her stepchildren after Tom's divorce.

• Ryan Hawks: "He pretty much raised me all the way to adulthood and made me who I am today." [03:40]
• Tom Hawks: "Jackie was a very down to earth, really sweet woman." [03:57]

3. The Acquisition of "Well Deserved"

In their pursuit of retirement, the Hawks invested in "Well Deserved," a meticulously maintained yacht equipped with state-of-the-art amenities. Their life aboard the yacht was idyllic, spending time cruising the California coastline and staying fit despite the challenges of sea life.

• Ryan Hawks: "Tom had outfitted this vessel with everything inside was beautiful teak." [05:26]

4. The Decision to Sell the Yacht

Facing impending grandchildren and the desire to settle closer to family in Arizona, the Hawks decided to downsize from their luxurious vessel. Eschewing traditional brokers, they opted to sell the yacht independently, placing an advertisement in a boating magazine.

• Tom Hawks: "He wanted to buy a boat and live on the boat." [04:58]
• Jackie Hawks: "So they were willing to sell the Well Deserved... on their own." [08:08]

5. The Mysterious Disappearance

After a final trip to Catalina Island, the Hawks notified friends and family about the impending sale. However, shortly after, they vanished without a trace. Their yacht was found moored as usual, but their Honda CRV and personal whereabouts remained unknown.

• Ryan Hawks: "Next thing you know is no one can get a hold of them." [00:56]
• Detective: "By November 16, 2004, it's obvious something's wrong." [11:00]

6. Investigation Unfolds

The investigation spotlighted Skylar De Leon, a convicted felon with a troubled past, as the prospective buyer. Police unearthed Skylar's criminal history, including an armed burglary conviction, raising red flags about his intentions.

• Ryan Hawks: "Skyler happens to be a convicted felon. He's on probation. I go, jeez." [16:12]

A receipt found on the yacht from Target for items like trash bags and bleach suggested potential premeditation for a crime, hinting at a possible motive to cover wrongdoing.

• Tom Hawks: "That receipt on the boat, it's from Target, and it has a bizarre shopping list on it." [25:04]
• Ryan Hawks: "If I was going to kill somebody... I'd have my clean kit and it would be bags to get rid of evidence..." [25:34]

7. Confrontations and Revelations

Skylar and Jennifer De Leon claimed legitimate intent in purchasing the yacht, but inconsistencies in their stories and financial backgrounds deepened suspicions. The pivotal moment came when a car matching the Hawks' missing Honda CRV was spotted in Ensenada, Mexico, leading investigators to confront Skylar.

• Ryan Hawks: "We found this receipt on a boat. It was expecting it to be Skylar... but it was not Skylar." [25:34]
• Detective: "It's a very big petty counterfeiter. And he met Skylar De Leon while they were both serving time in the Seal Beach jail." [51:19]

8. The Arrest and Trial

Skylar De Leon was arrested on suspicion of money laundering and the murders of Tom and Jackie Hawks, as well as John Jarvey, another victim tied to his criminal activities. During the trial, disturbing details emerged about Skylar's manipulative nature and his collaboration with accomplices like John F. Kennedy, who served as the muscle in their schemes.

• Ryan Hawks: "Skylar De Leon is now in custody." [50:08]
• Detective: "A fellow detective of mine, Jay Short, had found a business card... John Jarvey was found with his throat slit." [50:21]

Jennifer De Leon, Skylar's wife, was also implicated and eventually convicted for her role in the crimes, receiving life sentences. The courtroom drama highlighted the deceptive tactics employed by the De Leons to gain control and silence their victims.

• Jennifer De Leon: "Skylar says, we purchased it... we still need some information." [28:35]
• Ryan Hawks: "My family and I have been waiting for this day for a long time." [75:07]

9. Motives and Psychological Insights

The episode delves into Skylar's troubled upbringing, including abuse and identity struggles, which may have fueled his criminal behavior. Additionally, financial desperation and the allure of obtaining luxurious assets like the yacht were significant motivators.

• Skylar De Leon: "I want to live on the boat... I have a bunch of money that I have no way to spend." [30:09]
• Detective: "Skylar had a record and he was in the database." [31:51]

10. Justice and Aftermath

The trials concluded with the De Leons receiving severe penalties for their heinous crimes. Skylar was sentenced to death, while Jennifer received two life sentences. John F. Kennedy also faced the death penalty for his involvement. Despite the legal resolution, the Hawks family continues to grapple with the loss and trauma inflicted by the murders.

• Ryan Hawks: "Justice was served because these people were found guilty." [80:34]
• Jennifer De Leon: "Skyler Preciosa de Leon... was convicted of the murders of Tom and Jackie Hawks." [81:34]

11. Final Reflections

The episode closes with reflections on the senselessness of the crimes and the enduring pain of the victims' loved ones. It underscores the profound impact of violent deception and the arduous journey towards uncovering the truth in true crime investigations.

• Narrator: "At the end of the day, they all get what they deserve. Only Lonzo will ever see the light of day again." [80:34]
• Ryan Hawks: "They're evil personified. Scariest people I've ever met." [82:54]

Notable Quotes:

• Ryan Hawks: "If I was gonna kill somebody, you know, I'd have my clean kit and it would be bags to get rid of evidence, you know, bleach to wipe down the scene. And maybe if I had a conscience, some Tums to settle my stomach after killing some poor people." [25:34]

• Detective Dave Byington: "This is the big urgency we have right now. These people are still missing. I'm fearful that they're not alive." [46:56]

• Jackie Hawks: "Tom and Jackie Hawks were murdered more than 15 years ago. And this is one of the cases that I still think about." [83:19]

• Jennifer De Leon: "Skyler Preciosa de Leon... was convicted of the murders of Tom and Jackie Hawks and also John Jarvey." [81:34]

Conclusion:

"True Crime Vault: Overboard" presents a chilling narrative of trust betrayed and lives brutally taken. Through meticulous investigation and compelling storytelling, the episode sheds light on the complexities of human motives and the relentless pursuit of justice by those who remain. It serves as a sobering reminder of the darkness that can lurk behind seemingly ordinary facades.